University of Wisconsin President Ray Cross on Tuesday asked the Legislature's budget-writing committee to approve a new public authority for the UW System, a "dedicated and stable funding stream" and to reduce the governor's proposed $300 million budget cut over the next two years.

Shortly after he finished his testimony, a handful of protesters burst into the room shouting, "No cuts, no deals." Followed by four Capitol police officers, the protesters marched past the table where Cross was sitting to give testimony before the Joint Committee on Finance.

If Park Bank is liable for not spotting Sujata "Sue" Sachdeva's $34 million embezzlement from Koss Corp. and has to reimburse the company, Koss Chief Executive Michael Koss should also be ordered to personally pay the public company he runs, the bank argues in a new lawsuit.

Grant Thornton, Koss Corp.'s former auditor, should also have to pay a portion of any award that may be ordered, Park Bank argued in the latest twist in a long-running court fight stemming from Sachdeva's massive embezzlement.

"Park Bank denies any and all liability to Koss in this case," the bank said in its action. "Nevertheless, should Park Bank be found liable to Koss (Corp.) and required to pay damages to Koss, in this case, those damages will have been the result of a common liability of Park Bank, Michael Koss and Grant Thornton, thereby entitling Park Bank to (a) contribution from Michael Koss and Grant Thornton."(3)

The Wolverines (19-7, 11-3 Big Ten) moved into sole possession of first place, one-half game ahead of the Spartans (22-6, 11-4).

Wisconsin (22-5, 9-5) is alone in third place, two games back, followed by Iowa (19-7, 8-5).

Michigan, which went 2-0 against the Spartans this season, has the easiest remaining schedule among the top four teams.

“We feel real good,” UW sophomore forward Sam Dekker said after the Badgers’ 79-74 victory Saturday at Iowa. “I think we’re happy with the position we’ve put ourselves in. We lost some games during a stretch we really shouldn’t have.

“Our body of work to this point is something we can take some pride in. But there’s a lot left to do. And I feel like we have guys that aren’t ever content and realize we have a lot left to do.

“We just have to stay humble, stay focused and be ready each and every day.”

Here is a glance at the remaining schedules of the contenders, beginning with the Badgers.